tabakas

Tabakas is a term for tobacco—the leaves of plants in the genus Nicotiana used for smoking, chewing, and other products. The most widely cultivated species is Nicotiana tabacum; Nicotiana rustica is also grown in some areas and typically contains higher nicotine levels. Tobacco leaves are harvested, cured, and aged to develop flavor, aroma, and nicotine content.

Curing methods include air curing (often used for Burley tobacco), flue curing (common for Virginia tobacco), fire curing, and sun curing. Curing, fermentation, and blending determine the taste, strength, and burning qualities of final products. Processed tobacco is used to manufacture cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, chewing tobacco, snuff, and snus.

Health and regulation: Tobacco products contain nicotine, which is highly addictive. Use is associated with cancer (lung, mouth, throat), cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and other illnesses. Secondhand smoke poses health risks to bystanders. Many countries regulate tobacco with taxes, age limits, smoke-free laws, and graphic warnings, and international deals such as the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control promote reduced consumption.

Economy and culture: The tobacco industry is a significant agricultural and manufacturing sector in several countries, with China, Brazil, India, and the United States among large producers. Cultural practices and social norms around tobacco use vary widely. Public health trends include declining prevalence in some regions and ongoing challenges in others, as well as the growth of reduced-risk products and nicotine replacement therapies.